Introduction to Blended Learning

I stumbled across this video a while back and I couldn't quite shake it from my thoughts. What an exciting and glossy version of a blended learning! At first I was thinking about how cool it would be to have all of that technology, then I realized I do have all of that technology! It may not be as flashy, but I am able to do nearly everything in that video.

I can:

• Speak to experts using video conferencing through VROC
• Provide interactive lessons using my Smartboard
• Tracking learning, facilitate student collaboration, and connect with parents using Edmodo.

The real challenge is in integrating all of these technologies along with the other more occasional resource I use like Reflex Math, Gizmos, Ted-Ed, and WestPoint Bridge Designer while keeping aging hardware going in a facility with inadequate infrastructure.

Infrastructure and hardware have been a consistent problem since I started at my older school. We have been able to slowly make upgrades to the number of desktop computers, provide wireless internet, and install two premium SMART interactive whiteboards. Our electrical system will have to undergo upgrades because we keep flipping breakers! This is a great problem (in a way) because it means the entire school is making more effective use of our technology than in the past.

New this year is a shift in the teaching and learning model used in my classroom. I have more fully embraced the blended learning model so that it now operates daily in language and mathematics; accouning for 50% of the instructional day. My students love the freedom to learn at their own pace, the opportunities to collaborate with their peers, and the benefit of smaller group instruction. I love that I have more formative assessment data than ever before, can provide more timely feedback, and increased differentiation. 

Blended math learning in my class consists of four math centres. The first centre is in the computers where students receive personalized math lessons and practice through Moby. Moby is an app versions of the website Moby Max that can be installed into Edmodo.  Edmodo is a learning management system designed for elementary classrooms that draws from the visual styling of Facebook. Edmodo is where I post class and school news, assignments, marks, feedback, and quizzes. The Moby app administers a diagnostic test to see determine each student's placement in a math developmental continuum. Students recieve individualized learning experiences that adapt to student learning. Moby also provides rich assessment data on everything students are doing and provides a clear picture in where students may be struggling so that teacher interventions can be developed.